Lehigh women’s team names captains for 2012 season

Senior Leigh Ann Torcivia and junior Julie McBrien have been named Lehigh women’s lacrosse captains, as announced by head coach Jill Redfern (Ursinus College) Tuesday.

The duo has made their mark on the program, both on and off the field, as they’ll look to lead a young squad that features nine freshmen. They follow in the footsteps of captains Lauren Dykstra and Allison Thomas, who graduated following exceptional careers and both remain on the Mountain Hawks’ coaching staff in different capacities.

“We’re proud to announce these two student-athletes as the captains of our team for 2011-2012,” said Redfern. “Both Leigh Ann and Julie have shown exceptional development as lacrosse players and leaders. These two young women have earned the respect and confidence of their teammates and coaching staff.”

Torcivia has earned All-Patriot League in each of her first three seasons, garnering Second Team laurels as a freshman then following it up with First Team recognition as a sophomore and junior. Last season, Torcivia led the Mountain Hawks in both groundballs (41) and draw controls (43) despite missing the first three games of the season. She was also recognized with IWLCA Second Team All-Region honors.

“Leigh Ann is a senior who will anchor our midfield this year,” said Redfern. “She is a tenacious competitor who has completely invested herself in all aspects of Lehigh women’s lacrosse.”

McBrien earns the distinction of captain as a junior following a sophomore campaign which saw her make a near flawless transition to offense. Last year, she scored 18 goals and added 11 assists, highlighted by a five-goal effort against Colgate. That followed a freshman season when McBrien started all 18 games in earning Second Team All-Patriot League distinction, recording 23 groundballs and 21 draw controls. The Pearl River, N.Y. native went on to advance to the second round of tryouts for the U.S. Senior National Team this summer.

“Julie is a role model of hard work and passion for competition,” said Redfern. “Julie will be a midfielder or mark-up defender this season.”

The Mountain Hawks wrap up a busy fall slate this weekend at Georgetown. Check back to Lehighsports.com for a complete recap of the entire fall schedule.